honda generator

Dave S said:
.......and take some action to prevent CO buildup.....
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Hey Dave, can you please elaborate on what you do to reduce CO buildup?

Here is what I have done during cold weather cruising.

First, my disclaimer. The instructions say to keep the back most panel of the camper enclosure removed when you are going.

I don’t do this. During cold weather cruising I remove only the front middle isinglass panel. This creates positive air pressure meaning the side and back panels are bowed outward as we make way. My theory is clean air will enter via the removed panel and push out everywhere else.

Also, we will often keep the port windows open. If its windy and choppy this gets reduced to the leeward side to prevent waves from coming in the boat. The forward hatch remains closed because I have found water often sprays inside thru this hatch.


What do you do?
 
Dave S said:
One thing that has always bothered me is why the factory installed CO detector in the cabin doesn't have a CO readout (at least mine doesn't.) I don't have a genny and don't use a portable generator either but because I boat in winter with my camper canvas closed up I always have a CO detector in the cockpit with a digital readout. I watch that thing like a hawk and take some action to prevent CO buildup if I see the meter starting to go up. And I can do this long before the alarm goes off. It seems to me that if you are going to use your generator you ought to know if there is any CO build up in your cabin at all. If I had a genny, I would have a second CO detector with a digital readout in my cabin at all times.
Click to expand...

Speaking of which, where did you get a battery operated CO detector with read-out... I'm going on a week long trip tomorrow, and I think I want to have this aboard. Not that I will be using the genny that much, as we will be marina hopping, but I've been meaning to get another CO detector, as you can't be too safe.
Thanks!
 
You can get them at nealry any hardware store. I have 3 onboard my boat. They look just like the smoke detectors in your house. SB
 
This thread and the others from the past have me convinced that a portable generator has no business being operated, or perhaps even stored, on a boat. But, if anyone is in doubt about the subject, maybe checking with your insurer is a good idea. Will the boat's insurer insure the onboard use of a portable generator?
 
Presentation said:
Hey Dave, can you please elaborate on what you do to reduce CO buildup?

Here is what I have done during cold weather cruising.

First, my disclaimer. The instructions say to keep the back most panel of the camper enclosure removed when you are going.

I don’t do this. During cold weather cruising I remove only the front middle isinglass panel. This creates positive air pressure meaning the side and back panels are bowed outward as we make way. My theory is clean air will enter via the removed panel and push out everywhere else.

Also, we will often keep the port windows open. If its windy and choppy this gets reduced to the leeward side to prevent waves from coming in the boat. The forward hatch remains closed because I have found water often sprays inside thru this hatch.


What do you do?
Click to expand...

I think each boat is different but in my case I have very little problem with buildup as long as I keep my back curtain in place. We can run with the canvas up and closed most of the time and as long as we are moving the CO level is at zero. When we slow down or if the wind is blowing in a certain direction we may see some build up. Usually just unzipping the top zippers on the front Isenglass let's in enough air to keep the CO buildup under control. That's the beauty of having the CO detector with a readout because it doesn't take long to learn what you can do with your canvas to keep CO levels in check. We use a battery powered Kidde detector that we bought at Wally World for under thirty bucks. In my opinion anyone who runs with canvas up needs this in their cockpit and anyone who runs an approved marine genny needs this in their cabin as well.

Dave
 
I searched wally world and Home depot and did not find a CO2 detector with a digital read out. I did find this detector which when it detects co2 will shut down the genny automatically. I would presume it would not do this for very low amounts for co2. It would be nice if there was a unit with a remote monitor with a digital readout.

The genny shut down circuit could probably be spliced in with the engine too.
 
We have run a Honda 3000i for three years and love it. I added an extended swim platform and bolted the genny to the old one. I also fashioned a sheet metal baffle, fitted to the exhaust, that directs it aft. I then relocated shore power directly beside genny and use a 24" cord to hook up. We have two CO detectors, and always open the windows on each side for cross ventilation. Detector (only had one then) went off once and was loud enough to wake the dead. I shut down the gen and opened hatches, and it was clear in 5 minutes. That is the only incident we have had. I would love to have a genset, but if I had $8500 laying around I wouldn't be in a 17 year old boat. From my experience, this setup is just as safe as genset, just not as convenient, IMHO.
 
If I could figure out how to post it, I've got one from behind the boat.
 
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Just my .02 cents worth. Prior to owning our 320 we owned a smaller Rinker cruiser. No genset. I purchased a Honda i2000 and ran it on the swim platform while on the hook. Gasoline storage is minimal as you can run the genny about 8 hours on a gallon of gas, longer depending upon load.

I guess it was unsafe by many folk's standards, but we always kept a port hole cracked and fan running. Never had a problem. Used a Home Depot CO2 monitor.

Now if you put it in the engine compartment, galley or salon, then I'd say, "what a dumba$$."

Like anything else, lose respect for it and its gonna come back and bite you on the butt. Or worse!
 
I just went to Sears and bought the Kidde battery operated CO detector with readout. it was $44.
I can cross that one off the list, as I just had my hard wire CO detector tested at the factory, but feel much better having two detectors in the cabin sniffing around...
 
Gary's 6th ball is a little suspect.
 
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